Donald Trump, a Republican candidate for president, has booked the main stage at the Flynn Center for the Arts in Burlington Thursday evening.
The free campaign event starts at 7 p.m.
John Killacky, executive director of the Flynn, says Trump contacted the nonprofit group on Wednesday to reserve the stage. Trump is paying the commercial rate of $3,300 to rent the space.
Trump will be in Claremont, N.H., on Jan. 5.
The Vermont GOP was not told in advance about Trump’s campaign swing through the state.
Jeff Bartley, the executive director of the Vermont Republican Party, said the GOP learned about Trump’s visit through media reports.
“The Vermont Republican Party did not invite Mr. Trump and has no role in his event,” Bartley said in a statement. “Like all presidential candidates, he is welcome to share his thoughts with Vermonters. We hope all candidates will articulate, in a responsible and respectful Vermont way, their ideas for helping to make our state and or nation more affordable and prosperous for working class families. And we look forward to the outcome of the primary campaign between our very diverse group of candidates.”
Randy Brock, a prominent Vermont Republican who is a former state senator and state auditor, recently wrote a commentary denouncing Trump for his bigoted stances.
“I have made it clear that I agree with so many of my fellow Vermont Republicans who, like me, will not support a bully, a bigot and a buffoon for the highest office in the land,” Brock wrote.
Two other Republican candidates have held public events in Vermont John Kasich and Rand Paul. Marco Rubio attended a private fundraiser in Shelburne. Carly Fiorina has filed for candidacy.
